NFL Rumors: 49ers priority is to extend Colin Kaepernick’s contract

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is entering the final year of his rookie deal and the organization doesn’t want to see him hit the open market.

Because of that, they’ve made extended the contract of their signal caller a priority this offseason. The only problem? What’s fair market value? The former Nevada quarterback has proven to be among the NFL elite during his first two seasons, though, is that a product of San Francisco’s system or Kaepernick’s own ability? Potentially a combination of both?

That’s something the two sides need to iron out and it’s likely to get quite costly for the organization.

"The top of the market pays $20 million or more per year.  In 2015, Kaepernick would be eligible for a one-year franchise tag in the range of $16 million.  With performances that ping-pong between pedestrian and Pro Bowl-caliber, it could be hard for Kaepernick and the 49ers to assess the right value for a multi-year, especially in light of the salary cap, which continues to grow at a rate slower than the top of the quarterback market."

San Francisco isn’t going to let Kaepernick become a free agent, so you have to imagine a deal gets done. It may not be a five year deal, possibly only two or three just to get over the hump, but the two sides should work something out.